The heroes progress deeper into the Mrathrach Machine. Lor casts spider climb on everyone so that they are no longer restrained to the ladders; they climb down the very walls of the cavern, deeper and deeper. On lower levels, the Machine behaves wildly, throwing out gouts of steam and flame. Mournful undead souls roam the catwalks. Venom-shaped thralls scurry in the shadows. Still, the heroes press on. On one level, they discover a large black cocoon. Lor cuts it open to reveal... Lor. Or rather another halfling that looks exactly like him! Lor attempts to save his twin's life, but the cocoon has drained to much from the small body. So Lor stuffs the body into his haversack, and the companions continue downward. At the bottom of the cavern, they encounter a Zaug demon and his Rodintor lieutenants. The companions realize that they are outmatched, so they attempt to negotiate. The Zaug speaks of the coming Night of Dissolution, the victory of Baphomet, and the end of Law. He entreats the party to join him in his battle against Order. The heroes are somewhat hesitant to join the forces of Chaos, but eager to find the Adamantine Cog. They continue to negotiate. Finally, a deal is struck. The Zaug calls upon the powers of Baphomet to raise the Lor doppelganger, and in return, the party agrees to secure the Ebon Skull from the realm of Abraxas, Master of the Final Incantation. The Zaug also promises to try to locate the Cog while the party is in Abraxas's realm. He gestures, and a gate to the Abyss appears. The party steps through... Elaryan and Lor each gain 2000 XP. Malak gains 1000 XP. ⇚ The Mrathrach Machine Lamashtu's Children ⇛